Club World Cup: 3 things that pleased Maresca after Chelsea victory over Esperance

Enzo Maresca has expressed pleasure with Chelsea's 3-0 win over Esperance, citing three aspects of their Club World Cup progress.

Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 win over Esperance, which secured progression to the knockout stages of the Club World Cup.

Two goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and Liam Delap in first-half stoppage time put the European side 2-0 up, and it stayed that way until Tyrique George scored a third in the final moments of the fixture in Philadelphia. 

Maresca, whose side needed a point to secure a place in the tournament’s last 16 notched all three to finish Group D on six points, one adrift of group winners Flamengo. 

Maresca pleased with three aspects of Chelsea win

Maresca was pleased with the team's performance, the successful rotation of players and the assurance of their place in the round of 16. 

Having made eight changes to the starting line-up, given the demanding schedule, the Italian manager reiterated that it was crucial for energy recovery ahead of their next match. 

“The performance, for me, was good,” said the Chelsea boss. “It was not easy and until we scored the first goal, it was difficult to break their defensive line down.

“It’s impossible not to rotate players because playing every three days in these conditions means it’s not possible for them to play every game. 

“The ones that played were good and we’ve given some rest to Moi, Trev, Levi, Cucu, Cole, Pedro, many players. It’s important to recover the energy and try to win the next game.

“We know Benfica is a top club, with a top manager, and top players. It’s going to be tough, but from 32 we are now into the Round of 16. And our next target is go into the quarter-finals.” 

What’s next for Chelsea?

Maresca's troops will face Benfica in the competition’s last 16, seeking a place in the quarter-finals, where they could face Palmeiras or Botafogo.